Andy’s Player Ratings: Sunderland 2-1 Brentford – Isidor tops off the perfect week with a late winner!

Robin Roefs: 8/10

Brilliantly saved a penalty and although he didn’t really have another save to make – he only just missed the header for the opening goal – he just oozes confidence. So assured with the ball at his feet.

Trai Hume: 8/10

Couldn’t cover in time to prevent the opening goal but defended well down his side and happy to get forward to join attacks.

Nordi Mukiele: 8/10

A league debut for the new signing and he followed up his good display in the League Cup with another really good one in the Premier League. Was up against a really strong striker

in Thiago and showed lots of strength and commitment, despite a couple of knocks.

Omar Alderete: 8/10

Another really strong display at the back, so strong when out of possession but he was really good at getting the ball away from the Brentford press. Had a shot blocked after it fell to him on the edge of the box.

Reinildo: 8/10

Was unlucky to get a penalty given against him but the Brentford winger really struggled all game to get any change out of Reinildo, who went high up the pitch when we were in possession to allow Le Fee to drift central.

Noah Sadiki: 7/10

Never stopped running and always seemed to be in close proximity to whichever Brentford player had the ball, no matter where it was on the pitch. Had a couple of opportunities around the edge of the box to make something happen but chose the more difficult ball, particularly when Reinildo was overlapping and he chose to thread the needle to Talbi.

Granit Xhaka (C): 8/10

Protected the back four really well, always an option for the pass when Brentford were pressing and then popped up near the end with a great cross onto Isidor’s head.

Chemsdine Talbi: 6/10

Linked up well with Diarra and Hume and his movement off the ball was really good, was a little too passive on the ball though.

Habib Diarra: 7/10

Won the penalty after being dragged down in the six yard box and dragged a cross/shot just wide before going off. Showed so much energy throughout the game, chasing down Brentford players and making himself an option as a runner up top.

Enzo Le Fee: 8/10

Technically played left wing but due to Reinildo playing high up, was allowed to come inside and play. Scored the penalty for the equaliser and then played the ball back to Xhaka for the winner. Also put in a number of great tackles on the opposition.

Eliezer Mayenda: 6/10

Was very isolated but never stopped closing down and had a nice turn on the half-way line to start an attack in the first half. Was very isolated and we went a bit too direct to him.

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Substitutes

Wilson Isidor: 7/10

What a perfect way to cap off a great week for the new father, peeling off the defender right at the end to head home the winner.

Simon Adingra: 6/10

Came on in place of Talbi on the right and caused the visitor’s defence a few more problems.

Marc Guiu: 6/10

Replaced Diarra late on and was a willing runner off the ball.

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Man of the Match: Enzo Le Fee

Scored the equaliser with a well taken penalty and was also involved in the winner when he laid the ball off for Xhaka out wide. Always looked the part on the ball but his defensive work today was top notch, he made a number of brilliant sliding tackles to stop Brentford in their tracks.